It's all systems go for Bermuda's Paula Lewin and crew as the local contingent prepare to take on some of the world's elite female sailors during tomorrow's round robin phase of the inaugural Bermuda International Women's Match Racing Championships in Hamilton Harbour.

Brimming with confidence ahead of tomorrow's start, Lewin, 31, is under no illusion about the task at hand, especially since she will be up against the likes of American Liz Baylis, Swede Marie Bjorling and the Netherlands' Klaartje Zuiderbaan.

But after getting some last minute pointers from local Olympian sailor Peter Bromby during yesterday's final practice run, there are two things that Lewins banking on in order to bring home the goods - the advantage of sailing on familiar waters and her crew's vast sailing experience.

Up for grabs is $15,000 in prize money and an even more lucrative berth among the Bermuda Gold Cup fleet next Wednesday.

The final of the Women's Match Racing Championship is set for next Tuesday in Hamilton Harbour where the regatta's eventual winner will lay claim to $5,000, while the runner up will receive $3,000.

"We are not the best at it obviously, but I think that we have more experience then the other teams so that's a good advantage," said Lewin, who for the last two years has sailed in the Gold Cup as part of former America's Cup winner Dennis Conner's crew.

In all, Lewin has sailed in seven Gold Cups and is thrilled that for the first time, women have a separate qualifier from the men.

"The final practice went well. Peter (Bromby) joined us onboard and helped us out a bit because one of our crew members had to attend a work commitment," added Lewin.

She anticipates that the regatta will be contested in light breezes which will pose an even bigger challenge as the International One Designs (IOD) are heavy craft.

"They (IOD) are very tricky boats and very tough to sail, but when it's windy it's just a whole different thing," said Lewin.

In July, Lewin successfully earned a place in the 2004 Athens Olympics in the Yingling Class.